If you have a pet at home that you love more than anything, you might be looking for dog friendly vacations. Even though many places don’t allow dogs, that doesn’t mean your furry friends need to be left behind on your trips. There are plenty of ways to travel with dogs, as long as you’re willing to accomodate them.
However, if you want to go on vacation with your dog, you should choose somewhere that’s nearby so you won’t have to drive or fly with your dog too far. If you live in the U.S., choosing another state to visit will likely be easier than trying to bring your dog to another country. However, you should also make sure your dog is a good traveler before going on vacation with them. If your dog has car anxiety, it might be better to leave them at home.
You can bring dogs to almost any city on vacation, but some places have more dog-friendly activities than others. So, if you’re looking for vacations with dogs, consider visiting some of the dog friendly U.S. cities on this list.
Best Dog Friendly Vacations
Below are 13 great pet friendly vacations. They may not be the most common tourist destinations overall, but they have the most dog-friendly accommodations.
1. Bend, Oregon
Bend is a great dog friendly vacation during the spring through fall because it has lots of outdoor activities that dogs can tag along for. This 100,000-person city strives to allow dogs in as many places as possible. There are lots of hiking trails, food truck parks, and breweries that dogs are welcome at. If you have an active pup, you can spend your entire trip exploring the many hiking paths nearby.
2. Seattle, Washington
Seattle is a bigger city that happily welcomes all dogs. It’s great for pups who love tasty treats. There are plenty of dog parks and places to walk with your dog. Plus, Seattle is home to the famous Seattle Barkery, which is a food truck for dogs! Seattle is also where Starbucks originated, so you can get your dog a puppuccino during your vacation.
3. Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is known for having some of the most beautiful views in the country, so it’s a great place to go hiking with your dog. Slide Rock State Park and Coconino National Forest are just a few of the many places you can explore. While you’re in Sedona, you’ll also find plenty of pet friendly hotels and dog friendly restaurants with outdoor seating.
4. Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor is a town along the water that only has about 5,500 residents. Yet, it has many beautiful places to walk your dog. Within driving distance, you can head to Acadia National Park, which has over 120 miles of dog-friendly hiking trails. Some of the local buses also allow dogs on them, making it easy for tourists to travel even if they don’t rent a car.
5. San Diego, California
San Diego is a sunny destination that anyone can fall in love with, even dogs! It’s home to one of the first dog-friendly beaches, so it’s a great vacation for dogs who love to swim. It also has plenty of off-leash dog parks and trails to explore. If you time it right, you can visit when an adorable dog surfing competition is going on.
6. Lake Placid, New York
Lake Placid is a peaceful destination away from the chaos of New York City. It’s a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts, so if you want to hike, bike, or admire scenery with your dog, this is a great dog vacation for you. There are also plenty of scenic drives if your pup doesn’t mind riding in the car. You’ll be able to capture lots of adorable photos of your dog by breath-taking scenery.
7. Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is one of the most dog-friendly places to live in the U.S. because it has a lot of outdoor attractions. There are also a number of pet-friendly hotels for guests. If you want to visit the famous Biltmore Estate during your stay, dogs are welcome in the outdoor spaces and there are kennels you can keep them in if you want to explore inside.
8. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is a busy city, so it’s on most people’s bucket lists. Luckily, you can make a dog-friendly vacation out of your Chicago trip. There are lots of trails along the water and outdoor places to eat, so it’s a great summer destination. You may even be able to find dog-friendly cruises on Lake Michigan. However, if you want to go to indoor attractions, you’ll likely need to leave your dog at the hotel.
9. Colorado Springs, Colorado
Colorado Springs has many dog-friendly places to stay because it’s a popular place for people to go hiking with their dogs. There are also some places to go RV camping with your dog (or regular camping!). Colorado Springs is also home to Pub Dog Colorado, which is the first and only Colorado restaurant that allows dogs inside.
10. Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania
This Pennsylvania town is named after the famous Native American athlete. It’s right along the Pocono Mountains, so as you can imagine, there are lots of beautiful sights to see, whether you’re hiking or driving around. While you’re there, you should check out the dog-friendly Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway. There are also plenty of pet-friendly accommodations and places to dine outside.
11. Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis is a city that’s known for being a college town, but it’s a great place to explore with your dog. There are plenty of trails and open spaces dogs are welcome at, such as White River State Park. This city is a great destination during warm months because there are lots of places to eat outside with your dogs. Dogs are even welcome in the 16-Bit Bar + Arcade.
12. Sarasota, Florida
Sarasota may not be one of the most popular cities in Florida, but that’s what makes it one of the best dog friendly vacations. It’s laidback and allows you to walk with dogs almost anywhere outside. There’s a dog-friendly beach that even has spots for dogs to bathe and do their business. Plus, since it’s in the Sunshine State, there are plenty of spots for you and your dog to eat outside.
13. Austin, Texas
Austin is one of the best dog friendly destinations because it’s a great blend of nature and city. There are lots of green spaces right in the downtown area for dogs to play in. There are also lots of walking trails, such as the 10-mile Lady Bird Lake trail and boardwalk. There are even some places for your dog to go swimming if they’re not afraid of water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few questions that might help you decide what vacation with dogs to go on.
Can You Leave Dogs Alone During a Vacation?
Yes, you can leave dogs alone on most vacations, but it depends on where you’re staying. Check the rules of the place you’re staying to make sure dogs are allowed. If your dog is disruptive when left alone, then you should be respectful and not leave them by themselves during your trip.
Which Airlines Allow Dogs?
Most airlines allow dogs to some extent, but here are a few of the most pet friendly airlines:
- American Airlines
- JetBlue
- United Airlines
- Air Canada
- Alaska Airlines
- Allegiant Air
- Southwest Airlines
Which Hotels Allow Dogs?
You’ll have to check with the individual location of a hotel to find out their pet policy, but here are a few hotel chains that are known for being dog-friendly:
- Mariott
- Kimpton
- Best Western
- La Quinta
- Lowes
- Four Seasons
- Red Roof
Plan a Trip with Your Pup!
There are lots of dog friendly vacations where your furry friend can have just as good of a time as you. Any of the above locations are great for pet friendly getaways because they have lots of outdoor activities and dog-friendly places. So, if you’re unsure where to go next with your canine companion, one of the cities on this list may be the best option for you.